From our friend, Pasadena PIO Ann Erdman: the latest wrinkle in burglaries, and no reason why a version of it couldn't happen here:
BURGLAR POSES AS PASADENA CITY EMPLOYEE
There have been two recent incidents of a man claiming to be a Pasadena Water and Power employee, entering homes under the guise of checking water pressure, and ransacking and burglarizing the premises.
In both incidents the victims were elderly Pasadena residents.
The suspect, described as a Hispanic male approximately 30 to 40 years of age, 5 feet 6 inches tall with black hair, a thin build and wearing blue jeans, was allowed into the homes and escorted by the elderly victims to various locations where he checked the flow of water.
When he was finished, he told the victims everything was fine and then left. It was reported that he got into the back seat of a pinkish beige compact, four-door car that drove away southbound. A second unknown person drove the car away.
Anyone who has had similar experiences or with information that may help solve these cases is asked to call the Pasadena Police Department.
Pasadena Water and Power personnel always wear a visible photo ID with the city seal and an employee number, and always have their supervisors’ phone numbers on hand.
If someone claiming to be a PWP employee asks for entry into your home, look for an official city of Pasadena vehicle outside. PWP employees never use personal vehicles to make service calls, and they generally do not have to enter a home unless there is meter located in a service porch area or a resident has specifically asked for an interior inspection.
Anyone with questions about PWP personnel may call (626) 744-4409 during normal business hours, or 744-4472 or 744-4673 after hours or on weekends.
If you suspect that someone is posing as a city official, please call the Pasadena Police Department immediately at (626) 744-4241 and be prepared to provide an accurate description of the suspect, the vehicle and direction of travel if known.
For additional crime prevention and safety tips, residents may call the Pasadena Police Department’s Neighborhood Services Unit at (626) 744-4551.
